5 Epic Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes, CA, Besides Hiking

The eastern flank of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and no town represents the diversity of available outdoor activities better than Mammoth Lakes, CA. The town is nestled amongst dramatic peaks, alpine lakes, and seemingly endless hiking and biking trails. Mammoth Lakes has long been a destination for adventurers who come in search of everything from wild hot springs to epic mountain biking.

While many visitors opt to traverse the hundreds of miles of hiking trails, there are a multitude of other activities available. My family travels to Mammoth Lakes almost every summer, and we never run out of things to do. Read on to learn about five epic things to do in Mammoth Lakes, CA, besides hiking.

Epic Mountain Biking

Whether you’re a beginner (me!) or a seasoned mountain biker, Mammoth Lakes has a trail for you. The extensive Mammoth Lakes Trail System provides a multitude of options for all abilities. You’ll find dirt, gravel, sand, and pumice tracks that criss-cross many areas around town.

If you’re looking for true alpine biking, head to the Mammoth Bike Park, a network of more than 80 miles of trails on Mammoth Mountain that opens in the spring after downhill skiing has finished for the season. You can utilize the lifts, gondolas, and a shuttle bus for the uphill climbs if you’re in it for the exhilarating downhills. Or, opt for the ‘Pedal Pass’ which allows access to the Bike Park without motorized support and get your heart pumping as you tackle the uphills on your own. If you’re staying in Mammoth Village, you’ll have easy access to the trails and shuttle bus, meaning you can head back to your hotel for a midday lunch break before hitting the trails again in the afternoon.

Soak in Hot Springs

One of the most unique and magical experiences on offer in the Mammoth Lakes area is a soak in a wild hot spring. The Eastern Sierras have been shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity and shifting tectonic plates. The Long Valley Caldera, a giant bowl-shaped depression spreading 20 miles by 11 miles, is one of the Earth’s largest calderas and hosts a complex hydrothermal system. Groundwater seeps beneath the Earth’s crust where it is heated by magma before rising back to the surface, where it bubbles out in hot springs. The caldera is located adjacent to Mammoth Mountain, meaning the surrounding area is home to a number of wild hot springs.

There are a number of hot springs to choose from, including Travertine (furthest from Mammoth Lakes), Crab Cooker, Hilltop, Shepherd, and Wild Willy’s. Wild Willy’s is my personal favorite (even our toddler loved it!) - it’s expansive, featuring multiple pools and a warm creek, and boasts spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. There is an official parking lot, as well as a wooden boardwalk leading out to the hot spring pools. If you visit during the morning or afternoon, it typically feels very calm and family-friendly. Expect all ages, and maybe a few dogs!  

Spend Time on (or in) the Water

Mammoth Lakes gets its name from the fact that there are over 100 alpine lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin alone. Travel north or south on Hwy 395, and you’ll find dozens more. In a place blessed with so much water, it would be a shame not to spend a bit of time on, or in, the water.

In the Mammoth Lakes Basin, you’ll find boat rentals available on Lake George (via Woods Lodge), Lake Mary (via the Lake Mary Marina or Pokonobe Marina), Lake Mamie (via Wildyrie Lodge), and Twin Lakes. Paddling around small but picturesque Lake George is particularly pleasant and a delightful way to spend a summer afternoon.

Nearby Convict Lake also offers boat rentals through the Convict Lake Resort Marina. With everything from paddleboards to kayaks to pontoons, there is something for everyone.

Of course, if you’re brave enough, you can also enjoy an icy dip in any of the alpine lakes in the area. The water is fed by snowmelt, so even when summer temperatures set in, the water remains quite chilly!

Explore Geologic Sites

The Mammoth Lakes Basin and surrounding area have a rich and dramatic geologic history. Over millions of years, extensive tectonic and volcanic activity has created towering peaks alongside the Long Valley Caldera, one of the Earth’s largest calderas. Mammoth Mountain, which sits on the southwest rim of the Caldera, was created over 100,000 to 51,000 years ago through a series of 25 eruptive episodes. Countless fault lines, volcanic domes, hot springs, craters, and more can be seen in the area thanks to its rich geologic history.

If you’re looking to explore some of Mammoth’s more unique geologic sites, consider Inyo Craters, with their creamy-green-hued water, or Earthquake Fault, which provides an example of a linear fissure at the Earth’s surface. For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, visit Devil’s Postpile National Monument, which was established to preserve its rare and fascinating 60-foot-tall basalt columns. Hot Creek Geologic Site, with its dozens of bubbling hot springs, is also not to be missed.

Rest & Relaxation

After a week of action-packed adventures, a bit of rest and relaxation might be just what’s needed. Many of the hotels in town offer lovely pool and hot tub facilities, while local businesses can provide massages and other spa services.

Both the Westin Monache Resort and the new Limelight Mammoth offer relaxing pool facilities. In Mammoth Village, Simply Massage Body Boutique offers wonderful massages, facials, and more (I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my post-hike massages here!). A number of other day spas are available around town, so you’re sure to find one that fits your specific relaxation needs.

Responsible Travel in Mammoth Lakes, CA

Environmental Responsibility:

The town of Mammoth Lakes is remote, situated on the edge of expansive wilderness, meaning an environmental consciousness is important for locals and visitors alike. When you visit, be mindful of water consumption, avoid single-use items, and eat locally when possible to reduce transportation and cultivation impacts. Take advantage of the excellent system of local shuttle buses to reduce your driving impact. When hiking or exploring, remember to stay on trails so as not to damage the fragile alpine habitats, follow ‘Leave No Trace’ principles, avoid feeding wildlife, and, as always, be sure to abide by all park regulations to ensure these areas can be protected for generations to come.

Social Responsibility:

Consider staying close to Mammoth Village where you can walk to restaurants, utilize the local shuttle system, and enjoy easy access to biking trails, and more. The Westin Monache Resort is a great option, as is the brand-new Limelight Mammoth, which runs on all-electric systems and demonstrates a commitment to sustainable hospitality.

If you opt for a vacation rental, look for rentals where the owner lives on-site to avoid supporting absentee landlords and local displacement.

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